The Hierarchy of Loyalty — A Framework for Workplace Commitment
Resolving the Dilemma most Young Professionals Face
Many young professionals grapple with the question of Loyalty.
Loyalty is committing oneself to the overall best interest of the organization or individual to whom you are responsible.
Some have asked me to what extent they should be loyal to their boss.
As someone who values integrity and loyalty in organizations, I offer the concept of the "Hierarchy of Loyalty" to help navigate this dilemma.
The Hierarchy of Loyalty is a pyramid structure that I use to evaluate my stance on Loyalty.
The structure helps me decide the appropriate course of action in each situation.
At the apex, we have our loyalty to God, followed by loyalty to the nation, then the organization, superiors within the organization, and finally, our direct supervisor.
This hierarchy is shown in Proverbs 24:21, which instructs us to —
My son, fear (or be loyal to) the LORD and the king; and do not associate with those who are given to change [of allegiance, and are revolutionary].
The goal is to align ourselves with an authority whose mission we are committed to achieving while recognizing that our ultimate loyalty lies with God.
For example, Imagine I work for an organization with multiple levels of hierarchy.
My loyalty to God comes first, as He determines my values, and I am wholly subject to Him.
I will not violate His commands or sabotage His interests for anyone.
I realised that most young professionals have not settled on this part fully.
Next, I am loyal to the laws of the land, then the owner of the company, then the top-level managers, followed by my supervisors, and finally, my team lead.
So, If loyalty to my team leader conflicts with loyalty to higher authorities,
The Hierarchy of Loyalty suggests that I submit to the higher authority.
This chain of loyalty moves until I arrive at the top.
And when there is a value clash with what I believe violates my loyalty to God, I quit.
For example, if my boss wants me to lie or cross an ethical mark because he thinks I should be loyal to him, I won't comply.
If the owner wants me to do something illegal against the law or regulations, I must refuse, as the nation is superior to the company.
Proverbs 24:21-22 warns against meddling with those "given to change" — those who switch allegiances for personal gain and incite rebellion.
Rather than rebel, resign.
I know such people; I've worked with or under them.
They seem nice but say shocking things, professing loyalty while suggesting revolution.
They disdain and downgrade what the institution stands for.
Despite never starting any venture themselves, they always seem to have better ideas on how the place should run.
While appearing committed, you can't imagine their utterances, insinuations, and how they actually incite others against the institution.
They are the curse of every workplace — such individuals are unreliable, double-faced, and lack principles.
Associating with them can lead to sudden career destruction — Avoid them.
They are like suicide bombers who can detonate the bomb they carry at any time, and being with them makes you collateral damage.
While we may be forced to work with such people, we must avoid entering into alliances or informal agreements with them.
Don’t meddle, intermingle, intermix, don’t enter into alliances that say, “I’ll watch your back as you watch mine”.
Don’t have a kind of relationship or contact that extends beyond the professional tasks that bring you together.
Maintain professional contact but covenantal distance.
Know where you stand, and remain committed to your organization and leaders.
Thank God I learned early how to ensure contact without contract and how not to meddle with them.
I know what I believe and where I stand, and I'm committed to keeping my loyalty to my organization and leader.
When I say I'm committed to you, believe me, I am.
Rather than rebelling against superiors or conspiring against the company, the more dignified path is to resign when faced with unethical or illegal directives.
Proverbs 24:21-22 warns us that those who meddle with the disloyal face calamity and career ruin, not from the company alone, but from the Lord too.
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The “Wisdom Revival” is on — Let’s jump on board
Join others to read and drink from different insights on the LinkedIn group for this challenge.
PS: Forward this email to a Colleague. They will thank you later.
This is just too powerful, I wonder if it's the same Proverbs I've read all my life 💭Thanks once again sir!
Okay sir, we recognize how busy you are so we are patiently waiting. Thank you sir😭😭😭